Today's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 12 Help, Lord, for the godly are no more; the faithful have vanished from among men and women. Everyone lies to his or her neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception. May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue, because of the groaning of the needy. “I will now arise,” says the Lord. “I will protect My people from those who malign them.” The words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times. O Lord, You will keep us Your people safe, and You will protect us from such wicked and evil people forever. INVOCATION Dr. Domsk
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Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns together. Take some time to think about the past week. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, use this prayer from the Church of England to get started.
Living God,
deliver us from a world without justice and a future without mercy; in your mercy, establish justice, and in your justice, remember the mercy revealed to us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Genesis 35:22b-26; 38:24-26; 49:10-12.
Our guest speaker this week is Rev. Renny Domske.
Our video recorder was a little late today, so the beginning of the announcements did not get recorded.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 11 In the Lord I take refuge. How can you say to me: “Flee away like a bird.” The wicked set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous man or woman do? The Lord is in His holy temple, on His heavenly throne. The Lord observes the sons of men and examines them. The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked and those who love violence His soul hates. For the Lord is righteous and loves justice; how joyful that upright men and women will see His face! INVOCATION Dr. Domske
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us online!
We decided to go to Upper Buffalo today to listen to their special music.
We are not planning to meet in person.
When we meet together, we share our joys and concerns. Take some time to consider the last week. If you have any prayer requests, you can add them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, you can get started with this prayer (source).
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us your word. Help us to open our hearts and minds to learn from you. Guide us in our studies, and give us wisdom and understanding. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Genesis 32:22-32.
The struggle of Jacob wrestling with a mysterious stranger would define Jacob and his descendants. Jacob was a twin, his scheming and trickery began at his birth. His scheming acquired his brother’s birthright. He tricked his father into giving him the blessings aside for firstborn Esau which destroyed the relationship with his brother. He ran away to his uncle Laban to escape Esau’s wrath. Laban was also a trickster. After 7 years of service, the woman behind the veil was not who he had been promised. He worked another 7 years to marry Rachel. Both Esau and Jacob thrived.
In today’s text Jacob prepares to meet his brother. Throughout his live, Jacob’s clever planning had generally paid off to his favor, often to the detriment of others. With his wives and his possessions safely across the stream, Jacob prayed for help. A mysterious struggle would now define Jacob in unimaginable ways.
Our guest speaker today is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 10 Why, O Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble? In his pride the wicked person does not seek the Lord. In all his or her thoughts there is no room for God. Arise, Lord! Lift up Your hand, O God. Do not forget we who are helpless. The victim commits himself fully to you, O Lord; O God, You are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked, that evil man or woman! Call them to account for their wickedness. The Lord is King for ever and ever. You hear the desire of the afflicted and You encourage us. INVOCATION Dr. Domske
Hymn “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” # 610
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) O Lord, we need You every hour. We confess however, that we tend to only remember You when we need You. We cry out to You when we need help. We plead to You when we are sick, when we need money, when we need Your influence. We treat You as a vending machine rather than the wonderful Creator God who made us and gives us every day we live. Forgive us. We have sinned. Make us whole again. Give us strength to give ourselves to You when things are good as well as are failing. We need You every hour. ASSURANCE OF PARDON *Time of silent prayer * Response – Gloria Patri *Passing of the Peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. CHILDREN’S MOMENT Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Old Testament: Ezekiel 34:7-12 New Testament: Luke 19:1-10 7 “‘Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, 9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 10 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.
L: The Word of the Lord
P: Thanks be to God! SERMON: “Looking Down at Jesus” Hymn: “Take My Life and Let It Be” # 697 The Apostles Creed (Copy next to Prayer List) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Doxology (Hymnal page (606) Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people Lord’s Prayer Hymn: “ Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed!” # 212 Benediction
BIRTHDAYS: London Rich, Janet Rhoades, Jean Kuhn
ANNIVERSARIES: Gary & Diana Donaldson, Levi & Alyssa Miller JOYS AND CONCERNS Keep praying for all our soldiers here and abroad. Sympathy for: Family of Dorothy Thomas ANNOUNCEMENTS: Don Herschell tested positive for COVID this past week, as did Ed and Dorothy Caffrey. Frank Baker still is positive for COVID and in isolation. The Women’s Missionary will meet on Tuesday, September 13th at 9:30 AM. Please come and join in fellowship with us. Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:37. Please let Betty Fisher know of you are aware of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Just to let you know that the “berrrrr” months have now arrived. They are SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER and finally DecemBER. Just a little humor for this Sunday.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, June & Keith McGill, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Pat Haggerty, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Jean Westfall, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Frank Riggle, Betty Anderson, Mary Tarnic, Tom Novak, Chuck Warlow, Valerie Shumaker, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Gianna Perry (4 yrs. Old), Braxton (2 yrs. Old) with heart surgery, Greg Duntz, Nancy Diaz, Marlene McFeely, Larry Fox, Debbie Moriarty, Frank Baker, Don Herschell, Ed and Dorothy Caffrey.
Good morning!
We’re so glad you decided to join us for Sunday School today!
When we meet together, we share our joys and concerns. Consider this past week. If you have any prayer requests you would like to share, please add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, get started with the prayer below (source).
God,
we’re so grateful to be able to meet here together and be in your presence today. We know it’s a gift. Help us never lose sight of that. While we’re here together studying Your Word (the Bible) we ask that You’d open our ears and our hearts to whatever it is You are wanting to teach us. Help us to see things through Your eyes and not the lens of our own understanding. We want to know You more, God. Thank you for showing us who You are and helping us understand and walk in Your love. What we learn today we want to act on. Don’t let it become mere head knowledge. Shape our minds, hearts, and actions according to Your word. Show us how to honor you and love others well with what we learn. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This week’s lesson is on Genesis 25:19b-34.
God provided Abraham and Sarah with a son Isaac. However, Abraham would have other sons by other women. Hagar, a servant of wife Sarah gave birth to Ishmael. After Sarah died, Abraham took another wife, Keturah, who bore him other sons. However, Abraham held Isaac in the highest regard. Isaac eventually married Rebekah. Abraham sent a servant to his ancestral homeland to find a wife for Isaac when Isaac was forty years old because Abraham did not want his son to marry a Canaanite woman. Together they settled in the southern part of Canaan, near the Sinai Peninsula.
Although Isaac found a suitable wife that’s was no guarantee regarding the continuation of the family line. Infertility had also affected Isaac mother Sarah. Both generations had to depend on God’s power in order to conceive. Isaac’s prayers were answered and Rebekah became pregnant. The babies jostled each other with in her, and she ask the Lord, “What is happening to me?” The Lord’s response, “Two nations are in your womb, and two people from within you will be separated ; one people will be stronger that the other and the older will serve the younger.” The right or inheritance of the firstborn was a crucial element of the ancient Near East’s social and legal systems. The Lord overturn this and told Rebekah that her youngest son would have greatest status and acclaim than the second child. The first born son came out hairy and red and was named Esau. The second son came out holding Esau’s heel and was named Jacob. The boys grew up and Esau became a skillful hunter, a man of the open country, Jacob was content to stay at home among the tents. Isaac who loved wild game love Esau and Rebekah loved Jacob. This favoritism will be repeated years later with Jacob with his son Joseph. Issac love for Esau and his hunting would be a factor in how Jacob and Rebekah plotted against Esau and Isaac regarding the father’s blessing. Esau came in from the open country and was famished and asked for some of the stew that Jacob was making. Jacob said he would give him the stew if Esau would sell him his birthright. The firstborn’s birthright would include a double portion of the father’s estate. Isaac was a wealthy man therefore the birthright would have been sizable. Esau said, “Look, I am about to die what good is the birthright to me?” Esau’s desire for immediate gratification led him to disregard the most important earthly thing that was his to lose: his birthright. This would have been a lifetime blessing. Jacob had Esau swear an oath. Esau risked divine judgement should he later try to deny or break the agreement. After his oath Esau was given bread and some lentil stew.
Conclusion
Readers should be unimpressed with the attitudes and actions of the individuals described in this lesson. Isaac and Rebekah each favored one of their sons over the other. Esau desired immediate relief over long term benefits. Jacob schemed and manipulated his brother for personal gain. A story that began with God’s love and power transitions into a story of people pursuing selfish interests. However, we need not idealized any one human character, because the Lord is the protagonist of this story. He alone can make good out of less than ideal circumstances and less than ideal people. God worked through this deeply flawed family, and he will work in the lives of all people whom he has called. People of God should not strive to force his hand. Instead, we should trust that his plans and purposes will be fulfilled regardless of any attempts to circumvent or force those plans. Prayer Father, we celebrate that you have chosen to work through us your people. Thank you for your faithfulness to us, even when we fail to live holy lives. Prepare us so that we can live out your purposes in the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen Questions
Benediction
Our benediction this week is from the New International Version.
Next week's lesson will be on Genesis 32:22-32.
Our guest speaker today is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 9 I will praise You, O Lord, with all my heart: I will tell of all Your Wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You: I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High. My enemies turn back: they stumble and perish before You. For You have upheld my right and my cause. You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked. You have blotted out their name for ever and ever. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble. Those who know Your Name will trust You. Sing praises to the Lord, enthroned in Zion! Proclaim among the nations all He has done for us!
INVOCATION Dr. Domske
Hymn: “How Great Thou Art “ 625 PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) O Lord my God, we approach You in awesome wonder, because of all You have done for us. We wish we could say to You that we have acted awesome toward You. Yet we have not—we have been selfish, we have ignored all but ourselves. We have sinned. Forgive us. Make us whole again. Give us the joy we only feel when we are in Your arms, doing Your will, sharing Your thoughts. We need You every hour, O God. May we know deep in our souls how great Thou art. ASSURANCE OF PARDON *Time of silent prayer * Response – Gloria Patri *Passing of the Peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. CHILDREN’S MOMENT Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Old Testament: Isaiah 53 New Testament: Mark 2: 18-22 53 Who has believed our message
L: The Word of the Lord
P: Thanks be to God! SERMON: “Shut the Screen Door! You’ll Let the Flies In” Hymn: “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” 197 The Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Doxology (Hymnal page (606) Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people Lord’s Prayer Hymn: “Lead On, O King Eternal!” 269 Benediction
BIRTHDAYS:
Dylan Marton, Carol Horne, Dana Wilson, Nora Beth Gill ANNIVERSARIES: Tom & Linda Miller, Daniel & Lynn Kalich, John & Barb O’Hara, Dave & Susie Cummings, Doug & Nicole King JOYS AND CONCERNS Keep praying for all our soldiers here and abroad. Added to our sympathy list is Dorothy Thomas, who is a cousin of Linda Miller. Dorothy passed away this past week after a long battle with Ovarian cancer. Sympathy for the Family of Rose Churray Family of Alice Esposto Family of Dorothy Thomas ANNOUNCEMENTS Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6: 37. Please let Betty Fisher know of you are aware of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Thanks to everyone that came to the Church picnic last Sunday. I hear that there were 83 people that attended. There was plenty of food and fellowship shared by all. We should take the time to thank Cheryl and her helpers for the decorations and time that went into the preparations of the picnic. Thank you for a successful Sunday picnic this year.
Continuing Prayer List
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, June & Keith McGill, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Pat Haggerty, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Jean Westfall, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Frank Riggle, Betty Anderson, Mary Tarnic, Polly Blackhurst, Tom Novak, Chuck Warlow, Valerie Shumaker, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Gianna Perry (4 yrs. Old), Braxton (2 yrs. Old) with heart surgery, Greg Duntz, Nancy Diaz, Marlene McFeely, Larry Fox, Debbie Moriarty, Frank Baker
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take some time to share both joys and concerns. If you have any prayer requests or any expressions of joy, you can add them in the comments below this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful example of Abram who by faith in Your Word has become the biblical example of a man who believed in the Word of the Lord - and who simply trusted in the promises of God. Thank You for the Bible and the many precious promises and truths that it contains. Help us to listen to Your voice and obey Your call - to Your praise and glory.. in Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Today's lesson is on Genesis 12:1-5, 7; 15:1-7.
Introduction
The first 11 chapters of Genesis recount humanity’s futile attempts to rely on self-control to preserve a relationship with God and our equally futile attempts to make ourselves God. When those efforts failed, God turned to another method to reach out to humans. God made a covenant with a particular man of faith to bless the human race through him. (Most theologians would say that God understood from the start that a covenant based on God’s faithfulness alone would be the only way to bring us into relationship with God.) The man was Abram, and he lived in the Mesopotamian city known as Ur of Chaldeans. It was a wealthy city whose people practiced pagan religious rituals, according to modern archeology. The call announced (12:1-5, 7) But God called Abram to leave that place and to go to a place that God would show him. Besides being the starting point of a monotheistic relationship for Abram, it was an act of faith. In the ancient world, a person’s identity and social standing were attached to their family and ancestors. In addition, security and protection were also found in the clan. God was calling Abram to leave all of that and to trust God, with the promise that Abram would be blessed, that Abram would be great, and that through him all people on earth would be blessed. So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, taking with him his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot and all of their immediate family and their belongings. When they reached Canaan, the Lord again spoke to Abram and told him this is the land God will give him and his descendants. And Abram built an altar there to commemorate the epiphany. The call affirmed (15:1-7) Far away from home and in a dangerous and unknown land, Abram must have been uneasy. However, God appears to him again, telling him not to be afraid and that God himself would be his shield and his reward. Finally, we hear Abram’s response. The obvious question is how is God going to make him a great nation when Abram has no children. Abram was 75 years old when he left Harran so he is already well advanced in years, as is Sarai. However, God assures him that he will have a son, his own flesh and blood and that, through that son, his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abram believed God. Abram trusted that God would somehow fulfill his promise, even if he could not see how. Abram knew what his descendants would someday find out: the Lord is faithful and keeps his promises.
Conclusion
Abram had to answer a difficult call with boldness, courage, and faith. God had placed the call, and Abram answered by relocating his family. This decision would radically change his life and the loves of others for centuries. There will be times in the life of a believer when the challenge is not to find God’s will but to follow God’s call. This call may lead to a different job, a new neighborhood, or even to an unknown land. Yet if we remain faithful to God and trust in his steadfast promises, he will bless us deeply. Prayer God, throughout history you have shown yourself to be faithful. Give us faith to follow your call and patience to trust you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Benediction
Today's benediction is from the New International Version.
Next week's lesson will be on Genesis 25:19b-34.
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